It looks like I can easily link a trip to Giverny, Monet's home, and the D-day beaches. Can I easily link to Mont St-Michel via train also? Any ideas on budget lodgings in this area? Thanks!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Not real sure of your idea of 'easily' for the beaches since the closest train station is Bayeux, not driving would imply a tour which would imply arriving the day prior.
The closest train station to MSN is about five miles south at Pontorson.
There's an ETAP hotel near the Caen train station that should run around sixty bucks a night. There's another one maybe three miles southeast of Bayeux.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4415 posts
Ditto Ed. You can hit a few of the 'D-Day' cities by train, but nothing I'd call a 'D-Day beach tour'. You need to rent a car or take a tour. There are many tour operators, but you need to reserve ASAP.
From approx. 5 miles south of MSM, there is a bus that meets the train at Pontorson - CERTAIN trains. It takes a bit of coordination to time this right...Again, a car makes this sooo much easier. I would rent from Bayeux or Caen.
Giverny is a snap by train! Any guidebook will explain how to get there.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Regional trains from Bayeux to Pontorson-Mont-St-Michel depart at 07:30, 14:30, and 17:30. The trip takes under two hours. See the timetables on the German Rail site. If the timing isn't right to take a local bus from Pontorson to Mont-St-Michel, you can take a taxi.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you plan to return to Paris after visiting Mont-St-Michel, you don't need to go via Pontorson. Take a SNCF (French National Rail) bus to Rennes and a train from there to Paris. This route is shown on the German Rail timetables.